Jesus has a pattern for ministry. He meets people where they are and challenges them to take their next step of faith.

Sometimes the challenge is simple. Nicodemus comes to Jesus with questions. Jesus answers, “You must be born again.” Nicodemus doesn’t fully understand. Jesus responds with the most famous words in Scripture. John 3:16

Sometimes His challenge is more difficult. In Matthew 10 He sends the disciples on a mission trip to the cities around the sea of Galilee. He tells them, “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons.” This isn’t your average ‘build a house, deliver some food, dig a well’ kind of trip. He expects them to accomplish something supernatural. Amazingly, the disciples don’t bat an eyelash. They go on the trip and do exactly what Jesus says. A few chapters later in Scripture they return celebrating all God had done through them.

Jesus meets people where they are in order to challenge them to take their next step of faith. He meets people where they live, work, learn, play and at their point of need.

It makes me wonder:

What’s your next step of faith?

Who can you encourage to take their next step of faith?

Have you ever considered that the answer to these two questions could be the same? Maybe your next step of faith is to encourage someone near you to take theirs. Is today the day you share the gospel, speak the truth in love, or meet a need?

Look and listen. People all around you are crying out for a Savior. You may be too. He’s right where you are. The question isn’t whether He will hear or act. It’s whether or not you will follow, believe and obey.